Group 1: International Monetary System - The international monetary system is evolving towards a multipolar structure, which can enhance the resilience of the system and maintain global economic stability [2][3] - Discussions on reforming the monetary system focus on reducing reliance on a single sovereign currency and exploring the use of a supranational currency, such as the IMF's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) [2][3] - SDR is seen as a potential solution to the inherent issues of a single sovereign currency, offering greater stability and the ability to better fulfill global public goods functions [3] Group 2: Cross-Border Payment System - The cross-border payment system is crucial for international trade and financial stability, but traditional systems face challenges such as inefficiency and high costs [4][5] - There is a growing trend towards diversification in the cross-border payment system, with more countries using local currencies for settlements and new payment systems emerging [4] - Emerging technologies like blockchain and distributed ledger technology are reshaping the payment landscape, enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions [5] Group 3: Global Financial Stability System - The global financial stability system has evolved post-2008 financial crisis, but it faces new challenges such as fragmented regulatory frameworks and insufficient oversight of emerging financial sectors [6][7] - There is a need for stronger international cooperation to prevent regulatory arbitrage and enhance the stability of the financial system [6] - Strengthening the IMF as a core institution for global financial safety is essential for crisis prevention and resolution [7] Group 4: Governance of International Financial Organizations - Calls for reform in international financial organizations are increasing, as current governance structures do not reflect the economic realities of emerging markets and developing countries [8] - Adjusting the voting rights and quotas in organizations like the IMF is crucial for enhancing the representation and voice of these countries [8] - The legitimacy and effectiveness of international financial organizations depend on their ability to adapt to the changing global economic landscape [8]

Core Viewpoint - The evolution of the international monetary system reflects profound changes in the global landscape and national competitiveness, with increasing discussions on reforming the monetary system driven by geopolitical factors rather than solely economic ones [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context and Current Trends - The international monetary system has evolved over the past 20 years, characterized by the emergence of the euro in 1999, which currently accounts for approximately 20% of global foreign exchange reserves, second only to the US dollar [2]. - The international status of the renminbi has steadily risen since the 2008 financial crisis, becoming the second-largest trade financing currency globally and the third-largest payment currency, as well as holding the third-largest weight in the IMF's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket [2]. Group 2: Future Directions of the International Monetary System - The future of the international monetary system may trend towards a coexistence of a few sovereign currencies that compete and balance each other, necessitating sovereign currency countries to enhance domestic fiscal discipline and financial regulation [2]. - The SDR is theoretically positioned to address the inherent issues of a single sovereign currency as the international dominant currency, offering greater stability and the ability to better serve global public goods, but it faces challenges in achieving international consensus and market depth [3]. Group 3: Mechanisms for SDR Utilization - There is a need to optimize the mechanisms for SDR distribution and issuance, with a proposal to increase regular SDR issuance and expand its scale, moving beyond the current practice of one-time large issuances primarily for crisis response [3]. - Encouraging private sector participation in the use of SDR in international trade and investment activities, including the issuance of SDR-denominated bonds, is essential to enhance the role of SDR as a reserve asset and establish a settlement mechanism suitable for large-scale use [3].

Group 1 - The core viewpoint is that the international trade and investment landscape will undergo changes due to the tariff policies of the Trump administration, with three key areas of focus: cost-effectiveness rebalancing, internal economic structure adjustments in major economies, and currency rebalancing [1][2][4] Group 2 - Cost-effectiveness rebalancing in international trade and investment may increase opportunities for "global south" and emerging market countries, as traditional factors like labor and resources are now joined by innovation, institutional, and green development elements [1][2] - The difficulty of manufacturing returning to the U.S. is highlighted, as the U.S. lacks competitive strength in general processing and labor-intensive industries, leading to a preference for trade and investment in countries with lower costs and tariffs [2] - Major economies will experience profound adjustments in their internal economic structures due to global trade rebalancing, with the U.S. trade deficit increasing over 50% from 2017 to 2024, while the EU's trade surplus has grown over 400% [2] Group 3 - Currency rebalancing is expected to lead to a more diverse and inclusive global monetary system, with more currencies joining the international monetary ranks and increased participation of emerging market currencies in trade and investment [2][4] - The importance of digital currencies is emphasized, particularly their potential role as public goods for international cross-border trade and investment [3] - The possibility of enhancing the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) function is also discussed, indicating a shift towards a more diverse and inclusive monetary system [4]

Core Viewpoint - The current most significant event affecting international trade and investment is the tariff issue, particularly the tariff policies introduced by the Trump administration, which have shocked the world [2] Group 1: International Trade and Investment Dynamics - The competitiveness of the U.S. in general processing and labor-intensive manufacturing is not strong enough, making it difficult for manufacturing to return to the U.S. as desired by the Trump administration [2] - Due to policy uncertainties, manufacturing companies are more inclined to seek locations with lower costs and tariffs, which are often found in global South countries and emerging markets [2] - The current situation indicates three "rebalancing" trends in the international trade and investment system: cost-effectiveness rebalancing, global trade rebalancing leading to profound adjustments in major economies' internal structures, and currency rebalancing towards a more diverse and inclusive global monetary system [2] Group 2: Changes in the International Monetary System - The dominance of the U.S. dollar faces challenges, including the weaponization of currency and the "Triffin dilemma," which necessitates changes in the international monetary system [3] - Changes in the international monetary system may advance in three directions: the inclusion of more currencies in the international monetary system, increased focus on cryptocurrencies for cross-border trade and investment, and potential enhancement of the International Monetary Fund's Special Drawing Rights (SDR) functionality [3]

Group 1 - The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the need for the U.S. to strengthen its leadership role in the IMF and World Bank, focusing on transparency in exchange rate policies and debt management [1] - Bessent stated that the distribution of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) by the IMF should align more closely with U.S. interests, rather than benefiting large, financially strong countries [1] Group 2 - During a congressional hearing, concerns were raised about who would bear the cost of tariffs, with Democratic Congressman Mark Pocan suggesting that consumers would ultimately pay for Trump's tariffs [2] - Bessent indicated that the Trump administration is considering tariff exemptions for certain baby products, including car seats and cribs, in response to the financial burden on American families [2] - The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) reported that over 70% of baby products purchased in the U.S. are produced in China, leading to increased costs for American families due to tariffs [2] Group 3 - JPMA predicts that if Trump does not alter his tariff policy, prices for baby products could rise by approximately 30%, with specific tariffs on baby furniture averaging 129%, toys at 113%, and baby clothing at 41% [3] - Some retailers have already begun raising prices on children's products, with Nuna increasing the price of its baby stroller and car seat by $100 and $50 respectively, and UPPAbaby raising its stroller price from $899 to $1200 [3]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Treasury Secretary emphasizes that the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) program of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should align with U.S. interests [1] Group 1 - The SDR program is designed to provide liquidity to the global economy, particularly during times of financial distress [1] - The U.S. government seeks to ensure that the SDR allocations benefit the U.S. economy and its financial system [1] - There is a focus on the importance of maintaining U.S. influence within the IMF and the global financial system [1]